He highlights the indie title Hanashi no Hanashi — described by its creators as a “mystery novel crossed with a lateral thinking game” — where AI plays the suspects and players type questions to interrogate them. “Being able to interact with a game in your own words instead of selecting from preset options is remarkable,” Yoshida says. “This kind of rapid experimentation is something indie developers can deliver quickly.”
Looking ahead, Yoshida envisions AI ‘agents’ becoming commonplace in games: offering tailored suggestions, recommending useful items, or advising players during play. “It would be like having an experienced friend beside you offering tips — and that kind of companionship can make gameplay more enjoyable,” he suggests.
Ex-PlayStation chief Shuhei Yoshida admits he “canceled numerous projects,” including a new IP from Santa Monica Studio, and observes that a $25 million cancellation is no longer extraordinary.
